Penguin Facts
Explorers first observed penguins in the 1600’s, that is when the first documentation of penguin facts begun. Penguins are birds that cannot fly, but use their wings for swimming. Most penguins are able to swim around 15 miles per hour. Their bodies are torpedo shape allowing them to leap out of water during high-speed swims or hunts. They are able to stay submerged up to 20 minutes at a time, allowing them time to hunt for fish and krill. Three quarters of their lives are spent in the water. These social creatures mate for life. They are able to communicate with each other using sign language with movements of their flippers and head. All 18 species of penguins lay eggs, most lay two eggs except for the Emperor and King penguins which only lay one. Emperor males take care of the egg on their feet allowing the belly flap to cover the egg for warmth while the mother goes off the regain her strength before caring for the newborn. Chicks are born with soft, fluffy down and a gland close to their beaks. This special gland stores the salt allowing water to pass down without harm. Penguins don’t mind the cold, layers of blubber provides insulation to keep them warm. Their tightly packed feathers protects them from frigid water temperatures. When it is extremely cold they will huddle in masses to keep each other warm and protected. The Southern Hemisphere is home to the penguins. They have adapted to various climates from Antartica to the tropical Gal?pagos Islands. Smaller penguins like the fairy penguin can be found in warm climates and larger ones inhabit the colder climates. Penguins do have predators, it all depends on where they live. Common hunters include seals, sharks, sea lions, killer whales, snakes and even humans.
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